Service Dog for Robby

Robby has had hydrocephalus since before he was born. He had a blood clot the size of an adult fist at the base of his brain which kept his spinal fluid from draining. As a result, the fluid built up and caused pressure on his brain which damaged his brain and left him with cerebral palsy and developmental delays.  He was also recently diagnosed with dystonia, another movement disorder. Robby is a very happy little boy with a contagious smile who loves to tell jokes. Mostly I am just grateful that God chose me to be his mother and I cherish every moment we get to spend together. But then there is that nagging worry. The fear that keeps me up at night staring at the feed from the camera over his bed at night. Every time he rolls over or breathes funny my eyes are glued to the screen until I am sure he isn't going into a seizure caused by shunt failure. The shunt is a tube and valve system that drains the spinal fluid since his body cannot do it. When it fails the fluid builds up around his brain causing pressure and he begins vomiting and eventually seizing. He is not epileptic and only seizes when he is in failure.  Because of that and due to his young age, he does not meet the requirements to receive a service dog from any of the local non-profits so everything will come out of pocket.  There will need to be modifications to the fence and a dog run will need to be built.  And of course there is the cost of the dog and for service dog training.  In addition, a handicap accessible bathroom would make a world of difference as the bathroom he has now would make it difficult for the dog to help him with transitions to the tub and toilet.  When the shunt failed two years ago I nearly lost my precious son. I believe God turned my eyes to him at just the right time to see the tiny seizure which lasted less than a minute and didn't include the grunting that usually accompanies it. I called 911 and he played with his tablet in the ER and looked great for several hours. Then it happened. A seizure hit and despite the many doses of medication it didn't stop for 45 minutes. My little angel nearly died. If I hadn't caught the small seizure then the big one would have hit at home without anyone to stop it and he could be gone now. Although I have a camera over his bed so I can hear him at night, my mind is not at ease. If he were to have another tiny seizure like that one there is no guarantee that it would wake me up in time to help him.  Robby is 12 years old and has now had 15 brain surgeries.  I would love to have a service Dog that is trained to alert me if a seizure occurs so that he can be safer. These dogs are very expensive but having one could save his life. If you are willing and able please donate whatever you can to help obtain one. Every cent counts and his life could very well depend on it. Even if you are unable to donate, please share the link to this page.  The more people who see it the better chance I have of reaching my goal.  Thank you and God bless.  To keep up to date on Robby follow his Facebook page: Service Dog For Robby